Callum set for Sutton start

Neal Ardley will hand Callum Kennedy another opportunity to stake a claim for next season’s squad in the home friendly against Sutton United tonight (7.45 pm kick-off).

The left-back (pictured) is likely to start against Sutton after increasing his match fitness with a substitute appearance against Chelsea on Saturday.

Despite being released at the end of last season after he struggled to shake off an ankle tendon injury, Callum was invited to train with the squad during pre-season.

Neal Ardley said: “The ball is in Callum’s court. It’s no secret that we are looking for more defensive cover. We’ve had a few trialists in, but they have not worked out. Callum is here and is getting minutes and we promised that we would look after him. At the same time, Callum has got a chance to play in one or two games and maybe show us what we did not see enough of last season. If Callum can do that he may make us think.”

Captain Alan Bennett is likely to miss out tonight with a calf strain, but young striker George Oakley will be back in the squad after recovering from illness.

Despite an encouraging display against Chelsea on Saturday, Neal Ardley is demanding more from his squad as they have yet to win a match in pre-season.

“I don’t believe in pre-season matches being just for fitness and I want us to have a competitive edge,” said Neal. “I was disappointed that we lost against Chelsea and very disappointed with the Margate defeat. I will be looking to get a winning mentality into our squad. Whatever team starts, we will be playing to win the game.”

The Nongshim Stand will be closed for the match tonight with seats available for the Paul Strank Stand, along with terrace tickets for the Chemflow End, and the Your Golf Travel terrace.